Friday May 6th saw the launch of The Sahaara Mental Health Foundation annual fundraiser. The event, which was hosted and coordinated by Bindi Bains Mackoruk and Deljit Bains, was a huge success with over 400 in attendance and generous support from an impressive list of corporate sponsors. The night was emceed by Lenny Andrichuk who is a spokesperson for the Special Olympics as well as a board member of Chrysalis Foundation and it featured Dr. Rami Nijjar as the keynote speaker. Dr Nijjar provided insights into OCD as well as research and support updates. Following her informative talk was a dazzling fashion show from Armaan DBG and a moving musical performance by 14 year old Isaiah Mackoruk and 18 year old Shaneese Ali. As an inaugural event there was a solid foundation laid for future dialogue in the area of OCD, Tics and Tourettes. In addition to providing information and raising funds for research and support, the night also provided a platform for discussion and interaction amongst people affected by mental illness and the community of supporters. The general consensus from the attendees was that this type of exposure was long overdue and that it was a great first step to providing much needed support to the silent sufferers of the affliction.
